Dickens on The Strand welcomes author’s descendants to island
On Dec. 6-8, the Galveston Historical Foundation will usher in the Christmas season with Dickens on The Strand, an island tradition that takes guests back to the Victorian era through themed events, live entertainment, costume contests, daily parades, and food and crafts vendors.
For Dickens descendants Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, Jane Dickens Monk and Oliver “Ollie” Dickens, the weekend goes beyond the festivities and costumed revelers. Dickens on The Strand is a celebration of their heritage and ancestor’s legacy.
“Many people have a strange belief that Charles Dickens invented Christmas,” said Hawksley, the author’s great-great-great granddaughter. “What my great-great-great grandfather did, when he wrote A Christmas
Carol, was to make celebrating the holiday in style.”
An award-winning author, historian and lecturer whose works include several books about her famous ancestor, Hawksley said she knew she wanted to be a writer since she was a little girl. She and Monk will be available for book signings at the event, and both are also happy to sign copies of Charles Dickens’s books.
Monk, great-great-granddaughter of Dickens, worked to complete and publish the memoirs of her father, Cedric Dickens, after his death. My Life featured photos and anecdotes about life with the Dickens name.
London-based actor Oliver “Ollie” Dickens, great-great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, will also join Hawksley and Monk at the event this year to perform readings of Dickens’ timeless story of Christmas.
The cousins will also participate in the parade, as well as in various activities throughout the weekend.
“Every year, I look forward to coming to Galveston for sunshine in December,” said Hawksley, who has been a special guest at the event for the past decade. “Being at Dickens on The Strand is amazing, and it’s truly a great, fun start to the Christmas season.”
Dickens on The Strand begins Friday, Dec. 6 and continues through Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets purchased before Dec. 2 are $13 for adults and $7 for children 7-12 for Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free on Friday evening. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for adults and $9 for children. Discounted tickets are available for members of the Galveston Historical Foundation. Attendees in Victorian costume are admitted for half price.
For more information and event updates, follow @DickensOnTheStrand on Facebook or visit galvestonhistory.org.